Diarrhea and vomiting in children
Diarrhea
The frequency, quantity, consistency and colour of stools vary from child to child. Stools also change as children grow older and depending on what they eat (see Stools). You will learn to recognize what is normal for your child.
When children have diarrhea, their stools change from what is normal for them. Bowel movements are more frequent and more liquid than usual. Most diarrhea is caused by germs, like viruses.
The germs that cause diarrhea can be contagious. For information on how to prevent the transmission of these germs to others, see Preventing infections.
What to do
If your child’s stools suddenly become more liquid, it may be a sign of a transient trouble. If your child is healthy, continue to feed them normally.
If your child seems to be behaving unusually, eating or drinking less than normal, or seems ill, keep an eye on them to see if the situation improves. If your child has a fever, see What to do if your child has a fever.
A child with diarrhea can become dehydrated. Take steps to prevent dehydration and watch for the signs of dehydration described.
If your child’s bottom becomes red or irritated, see Redness on the bottom (diaper rash).
When to consult a health professional
Call Info-Santé (8-1-1) or a doctor if the situation worsens or persists, or you have concerns about your child’s condition.
If your child loses weight or the diarrhea continues for more than 1 or 2 weeks, consult a doctor.
See a doctor right away if your child has diarrhea and is showing any of the following signs:
- They have blood in their stools (red or black stools).
- They seem to be in pain (e.g., they are very irritable, constantly crying, or curling their legs up against their belly).
- They exhibit unusual behaviour (e.g., they are difficult to wake, sleepier than usual, or respond very little to others).
- They vomit often for a period of more than 4 to 6 hours.
- They show signs of moderate to severe dehydration.
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu or “gastro”)
Don’t give your child any anti-nausea or anti‑diarrhea medication without first consulting your doctor. This type of medication can have serious side effects and is rarely recommended for young children.
A child with diarrhea often has gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis spreads easily from person to person, especially among children.
It is a very common childhood infection. Almost all children come down with it at least once in their first year.
A child with gastroenteritis is visibly ill: they have diarrhea and might vomit and have fever. You can refer to the recommendations in the sections on Diarrhea above, Vomiting below and Fever.
Most gastroenteritis cases clear up on their own within a few hours or days.
Vomiting
It can be hard to tell the difference between vomiting and regurgitation (spitting up), especially in babies (see Regurgitation). A baby who vomits will appear to be making an effort. The quantity of vomit produced also tends to be larger than regurgitation. The child may also appear to have a stomach ache.
Vomiting can be a sign of infection. For information on how to prevent the transmission of infections to others, see Preventing infections.
What to do
Most vomiting does not require any special action.
But a child who vomits repeatedly can become dehydrated. Take steps to prevent dehydration (see Preventing dehydration) and watch for the signs of dehydration described.
If you suspect a food allergy, see Food allergies.
If your child also has a fever, see What to do if your child has a fever.
When to consult a health professional
Most vomiting does not require medical treatment. Contact Info-Santé (8-1-1) or your doctor if vomiting persists for more than:
- 12 hours, for a child under 3 months old
- 24 hours, for a child between 3 months and 2 years old
See a doctor right away if your child vomits and shows any of the following signs:
- They appear to be in pain (e.g., they are very irritable, constantly crying, or curling their legs up against their belly).
- They exhibit unusual behaviour (e.g., they are difficult to wake, sleepier than usual, or respond little to others).
- They show signs of moderate to severe dehydration.
- They have green or blood-tinged vomiting (red or brown).
- They have blood in their stools (red or black stools).
- They projectile vomit several times a day.
- They vomit more than once following a blow to the head.
Call 9-1-1 if your child develops red patches accompanied by sudden vomiting: this may be a severe allergic reaction. An Info-Santé nurse (8-1-1) can advise you at any time.